Multi-user Lid for Beverage Containers

ABSTRACT

A drinking cup lid has at least two drinking regions, including a first drinking region defining a first opening and a second drinking region defining a second opening. The lid can form part of a beverage container that also has a cup defining a volume that can hold a single liquid, the cup having an opening defined by a rim. The lid can include a lip that mates with the cup rim. The multiple openings can be used for accommodating multiple drinking straws or for drinking directly from the beverage container. At least one drinking region or opening can include a distinguishing marker.

FIELD OF INTEREST

The present inventive concepts relate to the field of food receptacles and containers, and more particularly to the field of lids or tops used in beverage receptacles and containers.

BACKGROUND

In many forms of beverage containers, there is only one drinking region for drinking. The idea, presumably, is that a two people want to share a beverage, they will use the same drinking region.

One hesitation many people have about sharing a beverage is the possibility of exposure to germs of the other person, and subsequent illness. There are two basic ways to receive germs from another user of the same beverage container. A first is through the beverage itself and the second is by shared use of the same drinking region for consuming the beverage.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,503 attempts to address this problem by providing a cup that is divided to have two separated beverage compartments, which are isolated by a partition within the cup. A lid is specially formed with a seal that mates with the partition such that when the lid is placed on the cup, the beverages in each compartment with not mix. The lid also includes two openings for two separate straws. The seal and partition arrangement ensure that the openings are properly located over each compartment. Associated with each compartment is a handle, on the side of the cup and independent of the lid, that distinguish one compartments from another, e.g., one handle as “HIS” on it and the other has “HERS” on it. While this approach appears effective in minimizing the possibility of cross contamination when two people are drinking from the same container, it does not readily lend itself to mass production at low costs, because a special cup with a partition and lid with a seal would be significantly more expensive to manufacture than typical soda or coffee cups and their respective lids, which do not require partitions and seals. Also, cups with partitions to not lend themselves to stacking, as do other disposable cups, which is particularly important in manufacturing, packaging, shipping and storage of low cost disposable cups and lids. Also, the cup and lid in U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,503 are not particularly beneficial to a single user wanting a full cup of a single beverage. Therefore, there are many drawbacks to the approach disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,503.

An example of a disposable cup and lid that is mass produced at a low cost is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a top view of a prior art beverage container lid that accommodates a single drinking straw. Lid 100 can be attached to a drinking cup (not shown), wherein an outer lip 102 of the lid 100 mates with a rim of the drinking cup. Lid 100 includes a single drinking region 104 within which an opening 106 is formed that includes a cutout (“X”) that accommodates insertion of a drinking straw (not shown).

It would be advantageous to mitigate the risks of using the same beverage container, while preserving the low cost, mass production benefits of current disposable cups and lids.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, provided is a beverage container having multiple drinking regions, where two or more people sharing the beverage can have his or her own drinking region.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, provided is a A drinking cup lid for use with a non-divided cup. The lid includes at least two drinking regions, including a first drinking region defining a first opening and a second drinking region defining a second opening.

Each of the first and second openings can have a cutout portion configured to accommodate insertion of a drinking straw.

The first and second drinking regions can abut each other.

The first and second drinking regions can be spaced apart.

At least one of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening can include a marker distinguishing the at least one of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening from the others of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening.

The marker can include a protrusion or indentation.

The marker can include a unique shape.

The drinking cup lid can include more than two drinking regions defining more than two respective openings.

The drinking cup lid can be a disposable drinking cup lid.

The drinking cup lid can further include a threaded portion configured to mate with a threaded portion of the cup.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided is a beverage container. The beverage container includes a cup defining a volume that holds a single liquid; the cup has an opening defined by a rim. A drinking cup lid mates with the cup rim. The lid includes at least two drinking regions providing access to the single liquid, including a first drinking region defining a first opening and a second drinking region defining a second opening.

Each of the first and second openings can include a cutout portion configured to accommodate insertion of a drinking straw.

The first and second drinking regions can abut each other.

The first and second drinking regions can be spaced apart.

At least one of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening can include a marker distinguishing the at least one of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening from the others of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening.

The marker can include a protrusion or indentation.

The marker can include a unique shape.

The lid can further comprise more than two drinking regions defining more than two respective openings.

The drinking cup lid can be a disposable drinking cup lid.

The drinking cup lid can further included a threaded portion configured to mate with a threaded portion of the cup.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is a disposable drinking cup lid. The lid includes at least two drinking regions, including a first drinking region defining a first opening and a second drinking region defining a second opening. The first drinking region includes a marker distinguishing the first drinking region from the second drinking region.

Each of the first and second openings can include a cutout portion configured to accommodate insertion of a drinking straw.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more apparent in view of the attached drawings and accompanying detailed description. The embodiments depicted therein are provided by way of example, not by way of limitation, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating aspects of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a prior art beverage container lid that accommodates a single drinking straw;

FIGS. 2A-C are top views of embodiments of beverage container lids that accommodate a two drinking straws, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-B are top views of embodiments of beverage container lids that accommodate more than two drinking straws, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a beverage container that has multiple drinking regions for drinking straws, accommodating multiple users, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-B are top views of other embodiments of a beverage lid having multiple drinking regions, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a beverage container that has multiple drinking regions, accommodating multiple users, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention will be described by explaining illustrative embodiments in accordance therewith, with reference to the attached drawings. While describing these embodiments, detailed descriptions of well-known items, functions, or configurations are typically omitted for conciseness.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a required sequence of elements. For example, a first element can be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element can be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly on or connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” and/or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

FIGS. 2A-C are top views of embodiments of beverage container lids that accommodate two drinking straws, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

In FIG. 2A, a lid 200 is shown having two drinking regions 204 a and 204 b within which two drinking straws (not shown, see FIG. 4) can be inserted, one straw per drinking region in this embodiment. In this embodiment, drinking regions 204 a and 204 b abut, but they need not in other embodiments. Lid 200 includes an outer lip 202 that is structured to mate with a rim of a cup (not shown), as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Each of the drinking regions 204 a and 204 b defines an opening 206 a and 206 b, respectively, which are configured to facilitate drinking of a beverage from a container or cup with which lid 200 is mated. In this embodiment the each of the openings 206 a and 206 b includes a cutout (“X”) that permits insertion of a straw through the lid 200. Lid 200 is arranged, therefore, to accommodate more than one straw, unlike prior art lids (see FIG. 1). Two users using two different straws for drinking from the same cup eliminates the chance of transmission of germs and bacteria that would be present by sharing the same straw.

Lid 200′ of FIG. 2B is substantially similar to lid 200 in FIG. 2A. The difference between the two embodiments is that one of the two drinking regions 204 a and 204 b is marked so that the users know which straw belongs to which user, avoiding the likelihood that one of the users would inadvertently use the other user's straw and potentially defeat the purpose of the separate straws. Here, drinking region 204 b is marked with ring 208, which is not present in drinking region 204 a, thus distinguishing the two drinking regions 204 a and 204 b.

Lid 200″ is substantially similar to lid 200′ in FIG. 2B. The difference between the two embodiments is that drinking regions 204 a and 204 b are spaced apart in FIG. 2C to achieve a separation of straws inserted therein, and preferably better avoid contact between such straws. (see, e.g., FIG. 4).

FIGS. 3A-B are top views of embodiments of beverage container lids that accommodate more than two drinking straws, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In each embodiment, three drinking regions are provided. In other embodiments, more than three drinking regions could be provided.

In FIG. 3A, three drinking regions 304 a, 304 b, and 304 c are provided. Each of the drinking regions includes or defines an drinking regions 306 a, 306 b, and 306 c, respectively, that defines a cutout (“X”). In this embodiment all three drinking regions are clustered in the center of the lid 300, in an abutting arrangement. But in other embodiments, one or more of the drinking regions need not be at the lid center. In this embodiment, two of the drinking regions, i.e., drinking regions 304 b and 304 c, include unique markers 308 b and 308 c, respectively.

Lid 300′ is substantially similar to lid 300 in FIG. 3A. The difference between the two embodiments is that drinking regions 304 a, 304 b, and 304 c are spaced apart in FIG. 3B to achieve a separation of straws inserted therein, and preferably better avoid contact between such straws. (see, e.g., FIG. 4) Another difference in this embodiment is that drinking region 304 a has a different shape that drinking region 304 a in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a beverage container 400 that has multiple drinking regions configured to receive different drinking straws, accommodating multiple users, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In this embodiment a cup 410 and lid 402 are mated. Lid 402 can take the form of any of lids 200, 200′, 200″, 300, and 300′, or some other lid having multiple drinking regions. Two straws 412 a and 412 b are shown in this embodiment, and they are separated as in the embodiments of FIGS. 2C and 3B. The beverage container can be made out of paper, plastic, Styrofoam, glass, metal, wood, or some other material typically used for beverage containers. Lid 402 can be made of plastic, metal, or some other material typically used for making lids.

FIGS. 5A-B are top views of other embodiments of a beverage lid having multiple drinking regions, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The drinking regions here accommodate multiple users, which do not use straws. Such lids can be used in a coffee shop, as an example, for typical disposable coffee cups used for various hot beverages. But such lids are not limited to disposable coffee (or hot beverage) cups or containers, or use with hot beverages. For example, lid 500 can form part of, or mate with, a soda can.

In FIG. 5A, lid 500 includes a rim with an outer lip 502 that is structured to mate with a rim of a cup (not shown), as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Drinking regions 504 a and 504 b define openings 506 a and 506 b, respectively, through which the beverage can be directly consumed without the aid of a straw.

Lid 500′ of FIG. 5B is substantially similar to lid 500 in FIG. 5A. The difference between the two embodiments is that one of the two drinking regions 504 a and 504 b is marked so that the users know which drinking regions belongs to which user, avoiding the likelihood that one of the users would inadvertently use the other user's drinking regions and potentially defeat the purpose of the different drinking regions. Here, drinking region 504 a is marked with ring 508, which is not present in drinking regions 504 a, thus distinguishing the two drinking regions 504 a and 504 b.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a beverage container 600 that has multiple drinking regions 604 a, 604 b, defining multiple openings 606 a, 606 b, and accommodating multiple users, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In this embodiment a cup 610 and lid 602 are mated. Lid 602 can take the form of any of lids 500 and 500′, or some other lid having multiple direct drinking regions. The beverage container can be made out of paper, plastic, Styrofoam, glass, metal, wood, or some other material typically used for beverage containers. Lid 602 can be made of plastic, metal, or some other material typically used for making lids. Drinking regions 604 a and 604 b are shown in this embodiment, defining openings 606 a and 606 b, but in other embodiments more than two drinking regions can be shown. One or more of the drinking regions 604 a or 604 b can be marked with a marker, e.g., ring 508.

In any of the above embodiments, the lid can be a disposable lid or a reusable lid. The lid can mate with a container, such as a cup or other beverage container in any of a variety of manners. For example, an outer lip of the lid can snap on a rim of a container. Or, the outer lip can include a threaded portion that mates with a threaded portion of the container—particularly for reusable cups and lids.

The unique markers described above, provide an embodiment of a unique distinguishing feature associated with a drinking region or opening on a lid. Other types of markers can be used, such as different shapes of the drinking regions or opening, or different orientations. For example, one drinking region can have a square shape while another has a circular shape, as shown in FIG. 3B. One drinking opening can have an oval shape while another has a rectangular shape. Different patterns could be used in different drinking regions, as another example of distinguishing markers. Other possibilities exist, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other preferred embodiments, it is understood that various modifications can be made therein and that the invention or inventions may be implemented in various forms and embodiments, and that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim that which is literally described and all equivalents thereto, including all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of each claim. 

1. A drinking cup lid for use with a non-divided cup, the lid comprising: at least two drinking regions, including a first drinking region defining a first opening and a second drinking region defining a second opening.
 2. The drinking cup lid of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second openings includes a cutout portion configured to accommodate insertion of a drinking straw.
 3. The drinking cup lid of claim 1, wherein the first and second drinking regions are abut each other.
 4. The drinking cup lid of claim 1, wherein the first and second drinking regions are spaced apart.
 5. The drinking cup lid of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening includes a marker distinguishing the at least one of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening from the others of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening.
 6. The drinking cup lid of claim 5, wherein the marker includes a protrusion or indentation.
 7. The drinking cup lid of claim 5, wherein the marker includes a unique shape.
 8. The drinking cup lid of claim 1, further comprising more than two drinking regions defining more than two respective openings.
 9. The drinking cup lid of claim 1, wherein the drinking cup lid is a disposable drinking cup lid.
 10. The drinking cup lid of claim 1, further comprising a threaded portion configured to mate with a threaded portion of a cup.
 11. A beverage container comprising: a cup defining a volume that holds a single liquid, the cup having an opening defined by a rim; and a drinking cup lid that mates with the cup rim, the lid comprising at least two drinking regions providing access to the single liquid, including a first drinking region defining a first opening and a second drinking region defining a second opening.
 12. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein each of the first and second openings includes a cutout portion configured to accommodate insertion of a drinking straw.
 13. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening includes a unique marker distinguishing the at least one of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening from the others of the first drinking region, second drinking region, first opening, and second opening.
 14. The beverage container of claim 13, wherein the marker includes a protrusion or indentation.
 15. The beverage container of claim 13, wherein the marker includes a unique shape.
 16. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the lid further comprises more than two drinking regions defining more than two respective openings.
 17. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the drinking cup lid is a disposable drinking cup lid.
 18. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the lid further comprises a threaded portion configured to mate with a threaded portion of the cup.
 19. A disposable drinking cup lid comprising: at least two drinking regions, including a first drinking region defining a first opening and a second drinking region defining a second opening, wherein the first drinking region includes a marker distinguishing the first drinking region from the second drinking region.
 20. The disposable drinking cup lid of claim 19, wherein each of the first and second openings includes a cutout portion configured to accommodate insertion of a drinking straw. 